The gathering was graced by several distinguished figures, including Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council. Shahid Noor, President of Karachi Press Club, labor leader Manzoor Razi, and noted journalists and poets such as A.H. Khanzada, Ambareen Haseeb Ambar, Rukhsana Saba, Khalid Moin, and Rehana Roohi. The event was thoughtfully moderated by Shakeel Khan.
Among those in attendance were members of the Special Event Committee, including Chairman Iqbal Latif and Dr. Aliya Imam, as well as journalist Athar Javed Sufi and Zeeshan Siddiqui, alongside a large audience representing various sectors of society. The event commenced with a poignant documentary film showcasing the life and contributions of Rashid Noor.
President Muhammad Ahmed Shah reflected on the deep sense of loss felt by all present, stating, “Today is a very painful moment. Rashid Noor was a dear friend to all of us. Events are being held in his honor throughout Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The Arts Council is currently working on publishing its book, which we will unveil once it’s completed. Rashid completed his tasks swiftly and left us just as quickly.”
Labor leader Manzoor Razi paid tribute to Noor’s character, saying, “Rashid Noor was a great human being, always sincere to everyone.”
Shahid Noor, reminiscing about his late brother, expressed, “Rashid used to write for ‘Nawa-i-Waqt’ and ‘Nai Roshni.’ He made a name for himself in journalism and poetry. Some departures leave lasting voids — Rashid Noor was one of those people. I’m grateful to President Ahmed Shah and everyone here who remembered my brother.”
Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili voiced his ongoing sorrow, stating, “I still can’t bear the shock of Rashid’s passing. Our relationship was both journalistic and literary. Our conversations and informality never ended. Before leaving for the U.S., he messaged me saying he wouldn’t attend any more events. Fate allowed him to meet all his friends one last time.”
A.H. Khanzada emphasized the importance of Noor's legacy, saying, “Rashid Noor spoke and wrote with great courage. The work he left behind must be completed. His name is well-known in the world of poetry, and we urge the Arts Council to ensure the publication of his completed manuscript.”
Ambareen Haseeb Ambar, Chairperson of the Literary Committee (Poetry and Prose), highlighted their respectful bond, stating, “I would never have forgiven myself had I not attended this event in his honor. Rashid struggled throughout his life, and now it is our moral duty to keep his name alive. He was there in moments of both joy and sorrow. The Arts Council is an institution that never forgets its writers and artists.”
Vice Chairperson of the Literary Committee (Fiction), Rehana Roohi, added, “Rashid Noor was a straightforward man. Just a few days ago, a tribute was held in this very hall in his honor, and he was visibly happy.”
Poet Waheed Noor noted the importance of Rashid’s contributions to literature, stating, “People like Rashid Noor deserve to be the subject of literary work. His contributions must be documented as he brought life to literary gatherings in Karachi.”
In a heartfelt video message, Abid Rasheed remarked, “Rashid Noor’s poetry was warmly received in Chicago. His passing has left a huge void in the literary world. He was a personification of sincerity and a loyal friend.”
The event was a poignant reminder of Rashid Noor’s enduring impact on journalism and poetry, as well as the strong bonds he formed with his peers and the literary community.
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